NZCF Councillor, Jennya Charomova on the International Stage

NZCF Councillor, Jennya Charomova is involved in the FIDE Infinite Project including a local trial as part of her work, and recently presented at a FIDE international conference held in Abu Dhabi from 2 to 6 February 2025. (Added 17/2/25) Jennya reports:

I had the honour of conducting workshops at the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) in Abu Dhabi, training teachers who support children with special needs. This initiative not only united individuals committed to assisting children but also connected people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds with the shared goal of fostering children’s development. The ZHO serves 197 students, is equipped with advanced technology, and employs educators specialized in special education. Over an engaging three-day period, teachers dedicated to making a difference enhanced their understanding of chess and its instructional methods.

The Infinite Chess Project is a global initiative currently active in 24 countries worldwide. Originally launched in Minsk, Belarus, by four passionate women – Maria Tamkovich, Anastasia Sorokina, Natalia Popova, and Ala Mishchanka – the project was founded on the belief that chess could be effectively taught to children with autism. With support from FIDE, the project expanded globally and is now present in numerous countries. I have had the privilege of participating in this initiative and be one of the presents at ZHO. During these sessions, I covered topics such as Cortical Vision Impairment and communication strategies, and shared the positive outcomes observed at Parkside Specialist School in New Zealand where I ran the project for two years from 2023. The conference in Abu Dhabi was organized by Sami Khader, Chairman of the FIDE Trainer’s Commission, contributing significantly to the project’s success.

Distinguished guests at the workshop included FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich; Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and FIDE Infinite Chess project supervisor; and Anastasia Sorokina, Leader of the FIDE Infinite Chess project, FIDE WOM Chair, and Chair of the Asian Chess Federation Social Commission. Their presence underscored the importance of the project and its global impact.

I became involved with the Infinite Chess Project two years ago, initially uncertain of what to expect. Upon completing the program, I witnessed remarkable transformations: one student began teaching chess to his classmates, and another expressed a desire to do the same this year. As a Speech and Language Therapist, I’ve seen autistic students form new friendships and embrace new roles, such as teaching. In my experience, chess supports the development of joint attention, turn-taking, and commenting skills. It also provides a platform for students to share knowledge, fostering leadership, teamwork, and public speaking abilities. While implementing the project at Parkside Specialist School, I was impressed with the positive results achieved. I hope this project will continue to grow and raise awareness. I am grateful to the teachers, parents, caregivers, and everyone involved for contributing to making the world more inclusive for autistic children.

To quote the FIDE website about the purpose and scope of the project:
“The initiative, designed to integrate chess into the learning environment of children with autism spectrum disorders, was held from February 2-6, 2025, with the support of the International Olympic Committee, FIDE Planning and Development Commission, and FIDE Social Commission.”

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the project’s global impact, stating, “Chess is a universal tool for society. It can be an integral part of everyday life, regardless of a child’s abilities… Children with special needs possess incredible potential to be successful, and if chess can help them achieve this, we are excited to support them through the Infinite Chess project. This project has already demonstrated positive results in many countries worldwide, and we hope the UAE can also benefit from the expertise provided during this seminar. We will continue our work and support of the Infinite Chess project worldwide.”

More information about the conference is available here: https://www.fide.com/news/3412